Federal Record-Keeping Laws

CIA Director’s Signal Messages Vanish: Was it a Feature, or a Felony?

The CIA reviewed former Director John Ratcliffe’s Signal account on March 31st, following reports of a journalist’s unauthorized access to a sensitive group chat. The review, documented in a court filing related to a lawsuit against White House officials, revealed that the chat contained only administrative information and not the substantive messages discussing U.S. military plans in Yemen. These messages, allegedly shared on March 24th, prompted bipartisan criticism and legal action alleging violations of federal record-keeping laws. The absence of sensitive information on the reviewed account remains a key point of contention.

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Trump-Critical Judge Assigned New Case Against Administration

Chief Judge James Boasberg, recently criticized by President Trump for blocking the deportation of alleged gang members, will preside over a new lawsuit. This case challenges the administration’s use of a private messaging app, Signal, to discuss sensitive military operations, a practice deemed unusual by intelligence experts. The lawsuit, filed by American Oversight, alleges violations of federal record-keeping laws. The defendants include several high-ranking national security officials. This latest assignment further highlights Boasberg’s prominent role in high-profile cases involving the Trump administration.

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